Category: Anthology

Kiss Me, Kitty by Shana Galen – A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

On By TracyIn Anthology, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Movie / Story Retelling, Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance AnthologyA Duke By Any Other Name: A Historical Romance Anthology by Shana Galen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Duke by Any Other Name Anthology

Release Date: February 14, 2025

NOTE: I only read Shana Galen’s contribution “Kiss Me, Kitty”, so my general rating of 4.5 stars for the book is based on that story.

When Edmund Peters learns that his family’s neighbor, the Viscount Featherswallow is trying to marry off his eldest daughter, Miss Katherine “Kitty” Featherswallow, he rushes to London to stake his claim before she is betrothed to another. Edmund has loved Kitty for years, but it never seemed like the right time to tell her, but now that her father has decided that she must marry before her younger sister, he knows he has to speak up or risk losing her. And knowing Kitty as he does, he knows he has his work cut out for him, but he also knows she is worth the effort.

With her younger sister Bianca, being endangered by fortune hunters, their sends her to the country and makes it known that Bianca cannot wed until Kitty is married. Bianca and Kitty are as different as night and day, Bianca is petite, soft-spoken and kind, Kitty is not, she is tall, voluptuous and aggressive. Most men are terrified of her and she is fine with that, but when Edmund arrives and makes it clear that he wants to marry her, it terrifies her. And despite her feelings for him, she doesn’t believe that he could really love her. Will she take a chance or will she let her fears ruin her chance for true love?

This was a very cute short story twist on the “Taming of the Shrew” is part of the “A Duke by Any Other Name” Anthology. Kitty and Edmund have been friends for most of their lives and it is clear that their relationship was established long before this story begins, so despite being a short story, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. This story is tied to the Twenty-One days with the Lyon novella and if you are reading both, I would recommend reading that book first. Overall, this was a cute story that was a quick, fun read and one I would be happy to recommend.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Regency Christmas Weddings Anthology by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Anthology, Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Regency Christmas WeddingsRegency Christmas Weddings by Christine Merrill

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Anthology

Release Date: November 26, 24

Winter wedding bells are ringing… For three Regency couples!

A Mistletoe Kiss for the Governess by Christine Merrill, 4.5 stars: After years away at war, Major Frederick Preston is finally coming home and is looking forward to meeting the governess he hired five years ago through an agency. He has never met Charlotte Lewis in person, but has gotten to know the widow through letters. He thought he knew what to expect, but Mrs. Lewis is not the dowdy, old lady he imagined and he isn’t sure how to deal with the overwhelming attraction he feels. Charlotte fell in love with Fredrick years ago through his letters and perhaps fantasized that he might fall in love with her too, but his reaction to her makes it clear that her feelings are one-sided. But are they? This was by far my favorite of the three novellas.

The Earl’s Yuletide Proposal by Liz Tyner, 3.5 stars: When Adriana Armstrong delivers the news that her cousin (and employer) Lady Velma is jilting Lord Philbrook, he shocks her by proposing to her. She declines, but Lord Philbrook isn’t taking no for an answer and the more time he spends with Adriana, the more he realizes that he courted the wrong cousin and he isn’t going to let Adriana go without a fight. This was OK, I thought Adriana was a bit odd, but I was happy they got their HEA.

Lord Grange’s Snowy Reunion by Elizabeth Beacon, 3 stars: Five years ago a newly divorced Lieutenant Nathaniel Grange met and fell in love with Miss Juno Defford. But afraid of ruining her with his scandal, he left for war and hoped to return to her one day when the gossip has settled, but the more he thought about things, the more unworthy he felt and his experience with his first wife left him doubting Juno’s ability to love him once she really got to know him. So, he stays away, and when he finally returns, he assumed that she had moved on. So imagine his surprise when she shows up at his door seeking shelter during a blizzard and he learns that she has never married. Can he let go of his past hurt and trust his heart (and hers) or will his fear cost him the love of a lifetime?

None of the novellas are connected and can be read in any order. For the most part, they are low steam with just kissing (the first novella has one love scene, but it is very mild). I personally would have preferred a bit more spice, but enjoyed the stories nonetheless. Overall, this was a fun Christmasy anthology with three novellas each featuring a different trope and wonderful characters and I would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *